Texas A&M lost a key element to their support staff when Ishmael Aristide took the linebackers coach job at the University of Miami. They may have picked up someone to fill that role Monday when former NFL cornerback Antonio Cromartie announced he had joined the A&M staff.
Cromartie, who played in 162 NFL games over 11 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts, let the word out of his hiring on social media.
A native of Tallahassee, Fla., Cromartie attended Florida State and was the 19th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by San Diego. He was an All-Pro the next season and was named to the Pro Bowl four different times. He ended his career with 31 interceptions, 3 of which were returned for touchdowns.
Cromartie brings a significant reputation to the table for prospective defensive backs, but his value to the Aggies goes well beyond that. Cromartie has been living in the Houston area and has significant ties back in Florida, giving the Aggies a recruiting boost in both areas. He has also been serving as a trainer for high school players, giving A&M yet another inroad.
